Pet Allergy Testing & Treatment in Lakewood, Dallas, From Your Local Vet

Petfolk Veterinary & Urgent Care - Lakewood is a vet in Lakewood, East Dallas, that treats itchy, allergic dogs and cats. The first goal is to make your pet comfortable. The second is to find out what's causing the itch so it doesn't keep coming back.

Allergies can't be cured, but most pets can be kept comfortable with the right plan.

Call (682) 339-7822 or book online. Same-day visits are often open.

Why do so many Dallas pets have allergies?

North Texas has a long pollen season. Mountain cedar pollen hits in winter, when many people get "cedar fever," and pets feel it too. Grass pollen follows in spring and summer. Add hot, humid weather and lots of time outdoors around White Rock Lake, and itchy skin is one of the most common reasons pets come in.

Across Petfolk, skin complaints made up about 20% of sick visits from June to September, compared with about 16% from December to February (Oct 1, 2025 to Sep 30, 2026).

What are the signs of allergies in pets?

Pets rarely sneeze like people do. Instead, look for:

• Licking or chewing the paws, often with red-brown stains on light fur

• Scratching the face, armpits or belly

• Ear infections that keep coming back

• Red skin, rashes or hot spots

• Rubbing the face on the carpet or furniture

• Hair loss or thick, dark skin in older cases

Many allergic pets also get skin or ear infections on top, which make the itch worse. See pet ear infection treatment in Lakewood and pet skin conditions in Lakewood.

Three common types of allergy

The vet will work through the usual causes one at a time:

1. Flea allergy. One bite can trigger days of itching, mostly near the tail. Strict flea control is the test and the treatment.

2. Environmental allergy. Pollen, dust mites and mold. It often follows the seasons, at least at first.

3. Food allergy. Usually to a protein like chicken or beef. The only reliable test is a strict food trial with a prescription diet for about 8 weeks.

Can my pet get an allergy test?

Yes. For environmental allergies, the vet can take a blood sample for an allergy test, which goes to an outside lab. The results can guide allergy shots or drops, called immunotherapy, made for your pet's triggers. This is mostly a dog treatment. Across Petfolk, 86% of allergy testing and immunotherapy orders were for dogs, and about 6 in 10 were a combined test-and-treatment package (Oct 1, 2025 to Sep 30, 2026).

Allergy tests can't diagnose food allergy, and they work best once other causes are ruled out. The vet will tell you if testing makes sense now or later.

Vet was very very informative and didn’t mind me asking a lot of questions.

Susie Q., Google review

How the itch is treated

Most pets feel better within days with the right mix of:

• Medicine to calm the itch, such as a daily tablet (ask the team about longer-lasting options)

• Treatment for any skin or ear infection

• Medicated shampoo, wipes or mousse

• Year-round flea prevention

• Omega-3 fatty acids for the skin barrier

The vet will explain each option, how fast it works and the cost. Fear Free, gentle handling helps here, since a sore, itchy pet may not like being touched.

Costs and estimates

A sick exam starts at $135. You'll get an estimate before any test or treatment. The final bill can differ if the plan changes during the visit. Allergy care is often ongoing, so ask the team about PetfolkCare membership if you expect regular visits.

Swelling needs fast care

A sudden allergic reaction, like a swollen face after a bee sting, can turn serious. Go to a 24-hour emergency hospital if your pet's face or throat swells fast, they have trouble breathing, collapse, or start vomiting after a sting. In Lower Greenville, Veterinary Emergency Group (VEG) at 4500 North Central Expressway, Dallas, TX 75206, is open 24 hours.

Book a visit at Petfolk Veterinary & Urgent Care - Lakewood, or see all veterinary services in Lakewood.